Post-doc position available – Microfluidics-based exosome analysis for the detection of residual and metastatic cancer cells

in Jobs October 20, 2014

Residual and occult metastatic tumor cells form a major threat of cancer recurrence and severely compromise the patient’s long-term survival. Early knowledge of the presence of these cells and a subsequent adjustment of the treatment protocol is essential to improve the ultimate outcome. The objective of this project is to develop an innovative and highly sensitive microfluidics-based platform that enables selective capturing and molecular profiling of individual exosomes and hence allows detection and characterization of residual and metastatic cancer cells. For this project, we are looking for a highly motivated, communicative researcher having obtained a PhD degree in Bioscience Engineering, Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Biosciences or equivalent and with a proven track record in bio-assay development including expertise in nanoparticle technology, sensor platforms, antibody- and DNA-based detection assays.

Description

Residual and occult metastatic tumor cells form a major threat of cancer recurrence and severely compromise the patient’s long-term survival. Early knowledge of the presence of these cells and a subsequent adjustment of the treatment protocol is essential to improve the ultimate outcome. The objective of this project is to develop an innovative and highly sensitive microfluidics-based platform that enables selective capturing and molecular profiling of individual exosomes and hence allows detection and characterization of residual and metastatic cancer cells. This project is a collaboration between truly multidisciplinary teams consisting of biomedical researchers, biosensor experts, practicing clinicians, and biostatisticians at KU Leuven (Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, Prof. Johan Swinnen; MeBioS – Biosensor group, Prof. Jeroen Lammertyn; PharmAbs, the KU Leuven Antibody Center, Dr. Nick Geukens).

The following topics will be studied in this project:
• testing in-house generated panel of monoclonal antibodies
• coupling of antibodies to beads
• developing digital ELISA assays on existing microfluidics platform
• developing advanced on-chip bioassays for molecular profiling of exosomes
• analytical and clinical validation of developed bioassays and microfluidics platform

Tasks related to this position include:
• Scientific research in the above mentioned topics
• Dissemination of results and writing scientific publications
• Supervision of PhD students working on related topics

For this project, we are looking for a highly motivated, communicative researcher having obtained a PhD degree in Bioscience Engineering, Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Biosciences or equivalent and with a proven track record in bio-assay development including expertise in nanoparticle technology, sensor platforms, antibody- and DNA-based detection assays.

To Apply – Motivation letter, C.V. and names of two referees should be submitted to: jeroen.lammertyn@biw.kuleuven.be.

Starting date: 1/1/2015
Duration of contract: 1 year, extendible to max. 3 years

Nr of positions available : 1